This article by New Republic was one of many articles published in 2016 featuring the prominence of hearing loss among veterans. Hearing loss currently is the number one disability for veterans (topping even PTSD).

In fact, the Department of Veteran Affairs states that 60 percent of those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan (around 600,000) have permanent hearing loss or ringing in ears.

Now that awareness has been raised, the military is working on creating helmets that minimize loud blasts while increasing ambient sound.

We’re grateful to see several stories each year about individuals conquering hearing loss to achieve remarkable things. However on occasion one comes along that reminds us of what is possible with the right attitude and perseverance.

Caroline Aufgebauer, a high school senior, worked around her hearing loss to learn not one, not two, but three different languages. She speaks English, Latin, and Spanish (earning special recognition for her performance on the national Spanish exam) and has a basic familiarity with German.

That, by the way, makes her trilingual in spite of a condition that makes speech comprehension quite difficult.

Responding to the escalating problem of acquiring hearing loss and tinnitus at concerts, Pearl Jam supplied earplugs to fans at its concerts in an action that we hope catches on with other bands.

A number of musicians currently are afflicted with hearing loss and tinnitus as a consequence of a lack of hearing protection at shows, including Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, Grimes, Ozzy Osbourne,
and Chris Martin.

This inspiring story is about how photographer Kate Disher-Quill finally came to accept her hearing loss and embrace and love her hearing aids.

Kate’s project, Right Hear, Right Now, is designed to empower people to accept and embrace their differences. It’s something she wishes she had access to when she was younger, something that could have inspired her to accept her own hearing loss sooner than she did.

As we find out more and more how the brain processes and interprets sound and speech, we can begin developing better hearing aids and better programs to help those with hearing loss to strengthen speech recognition.

Stay tuned in 2017 for further breakthroughs in the vital area of speech comprehension.

Hidden hearing loss could be present even in young adults who can pass a regular hearing test.

Research is underway that can enhance the precision of hearing testing and expose hearing problems in young people, with consequences including more efficient hearing protection, better workplace noise standards, and targeted medical therapies.

And last, here are eight great reasons to get a hearing test, published by Better Hearing Institute. There’s no better way to start the new year than by taking charge of your hearing health and enjoying all of the rewards of better hearing.